Low blood pressure

The signs of low blood pressure are easy to identify. The development of the symptoms is often a warning that requires further assessment by the doctor. During an assessment, the cause of low blood pressure is determined and rule out other underlying issues.

Close look on low blood pressure

A low blood pressure is a level in which the heart could not provide adequate blood flow to all the vital organs in the body. Remember that the rate at which this occurs is different for every individual.

Without sufficient blood flow, the body tissues are deprived of both oxygen and essential nutrients needed to fuel the function of the cells. Poor supply of oxygen to the tissues can lead to cell dysfunction and later cell death.

What is the cause?

There are various conditions that can result to low blood pressure but the most common is when using large doses of blood pressure drugs.

Other conditions that can lead to low blood pressure might include septic shock, anaphylaxis and neurological conditions.

Other causes might include the following:

Dehydration

Thyroid conditions

Heart problems such as arrhythmias

Adrenal insufficiency

Bleeding

Certain medications such as anesthetics or narcotics

Hypovolemic shock

Other conditions that can lead to low blood pressure might include septic shock, anaphylaxis and neurological conditions.

Surgery

What are the accompanying symptoms?

The signs of low blood pressure are often based on how rapidly the condition develops. In case it drops swiftly, there is a small chance for the body to act and the symptoms arises abruptly.

In case low blood pressure manifests steadily, the individual might feel exhausted and weak but oblivious that the blood pressure is too low.

Other signs might include:

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Weakness

Fainting

Blurry vision

Fatigue

Nausea

Pallor

Confusion and other changes in the mental state or a feeling of impending doom

Management of low blood pressure

Just like in any emergency, it is vital to establish ABC (airway, breathing, circulation). In case the airways are obstructed, the cause of blockage must be removed. If the individual is not breathing, artificial respiration is required. In case the heart is not breathing, CPR is needed to restore circulation.